HC Deb 16 March 1953 vol 512 cc1827-8
38. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport what railway electrification schemes are being carried out at present; and when it is anticipated they will be completed.

Mr. Braithwaite

The Manchester—Sheffield—Wath electrification project is being carried out at present. The work is proceeding by stages; Stage 1, Wath and Dunford is already in operation, and it is hoped to complete the full scheme in 1955.

Mr. Davies

In view of the fact that the scheme to which the hon. Gentleman referred is the only one which is now being carried out, does he not consider that, with the greater availability of steel and the greater flexibility of capital investment, he could proceed now with the electrification of the lines in North London?

Mr. Braithwaite

This scheme will cost £11 million and the tunnel £5 million. I understand from the British Transport Commission that the electrification scheme next in priority is the London-Southend line.

Back to